New Study Results on Cancer Care

This is a very good survey recently published by the Kaiser Family Foundation:

http://www.kff.org/kaiserpolls/pomr112006pkg.cfm

You may have heard or read some of this report in the news lately, but reporting has been pretty much what we call a "pink wash" ignoring bad or controversial news and only reporting on the peppy, perky, upbeat cancer information.:puffpiece:

Summary & Chartpack
http://www.kff.org/kaiserpolls/upload/7591.pdf

Some highlights (doh! I've been repeating this to our legislators ad nauseum for farkin' years!!!!):banghead:


Cancer care is often uncoordinated

Cancer places a huge financial burden on patients and families

Patients delay or don't get treatment because of financial costs
More than 1/3 of cancer patients have to deal with collection agencies

Financial impact of cancer is greatest on low income and younger patients

Many households of cancer patients report that at least one member of the family has had emotional or psychological problems as a result of a family members's cancer diagnosis.

etc.

Its a really good report.